Initially, in late 2009, it had been suggested to Richie and Quincy Jones—producer of the original “We Are the World—that a re-cut version of the song be re-released under the title “Live 25”. Following the magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake in Haiti, which devastated the area and killed hundreds of thousands of people, it was agreed that the song would be re-recorded by new artists, in the hope that it would reach a new generation and help benefit the people of Haiti.

“We Are the World 25 for Haiti” is musically structured similar to “We Are The World”, but includes auto-tune and a rap verse, which was written by some of the song’s hip hop artists. Michael Jackson died months before the song’s release, but his material from the 1985 recording sessions was incorporated into the song and music video, as per the request of his mother, Katherine. His younger sister Janet duets with him on the song, and his nephews Taj, TJ and Taryll-collectively known as 3T-feature on the track’s chorus.

All proceeds from “We Are The World 25 For Haiti” will go to the newly formed charity We Are the World Foundation LLC, which will go straight to Haiti.